Tourism Revenue Recovery and Global Promotion Act
The Tourism Revenue Recovery and Global Promotion Act supports tourism-dependent regions affected by global travel disruptions by expanding marketing, business recovery assistance, and destination development. The legislation helps tourism businesses stabilize revenues while promoting both international and in-state travel. Its aim is to protect local economies and strengthen the long-term resilience of the tourism sector.
Key Provisions
Tourism Business Recovery Grant Program: Provides grants to hotels, attractions, tour operators, and event venues that experienced revenue losses due to foreign travel declines or trade-related economic downturns.
Global Tourism Marketing Expansion Initiative: Funds international promotion campaigns targeting new travel markets to offset reductions in traditional inbound tourism flows.
Destination Development and Infrastructure Fund: Supports projects that improve or expand tourism-related infrastructure, including visitor centers, cultural venues, and public amenities.
Statewide Tourism Recovery Advertising Campaign: Launches a coordinated campaign to promote in-state tourism and drive local visitation in affected regions.
Tourism Sector Economic Monitoring Council: Establishes a council to assess tourism market trends, monitor risks, and recommend responsive strategies.
Model Language
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the “Tourism Revenue Recovery and Global Promotion Act.”
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to support the recovery and expansion of the state’s tourism industry in response to global travel and economic disruptions related to trade policies and international conditions.
Section 3. Definitions.
(a) “Eligible tourism business” means a company engaged in lodging, travel, entertainment, attractions, or hospitality services.
(b) “Tourism-related disruption” means any decline in visitation, revenue, or operations due to global travel restrictions, retaliatory trade measures, or macroeconomic trade effects.
(c) “Department” means the state agency responsible for tourism, economic development, or commerce.
Section 4. Tourism Business Recovery Grant Program.
(a) The Department shall administer a grant program for eligible tourism businesses adversely affected by tourism-related disruptions.
(b) Funds may be used for: (1) Retaining or rehiring staff; (2) Updating facilities or safety protocols; (3) Marketing or operational continuity.
(c) Grants shall be capped at $100,000 per applicant.
Section 5. Global Tourism Marketing Expansion Initiative.
(a) The Department shall launch international tourism marketing campaigns to: (1) Expand brand presence in emerging or alternative travel markets; (2) Restore inbound travel from countries affected by trade tensions; (3) Partner with airlines, travel platforms, and influencers.
(b) Campaigns shall be data-driven and coordinated with destination marketing organizations.
Section 6. Destination Development and Infrastructure Fund.
(a) The Department shall create a competitive grant program to fund tourism-related infrastructure projects.
(b) Eligible uses include: (1) Upgrades to parks, trails, cultural landmarks, and public event venues; (2) Construction or renovation of visitor centers and welcome facilities; (3) Signage, wayfinding, and mobility improvements.
Section 7. Statewide Tourism Recovery Advertising Campaign.
(a) The Department shall coordinate a domestic advertising effort to promote: (1) In-state tourism and short-term travel; (2) Heritage, outdoor recreation, and culinary experiences; (3) Events and seasonal travel in regions experiencing downturns.
(b) Campaign shall utilize television, digital media, print, and social channels.
Section 8. Tourism Sector Economic Monitoring Council.
(a) A Tourism Sector Economic Monitoring Council is hereby established.
(b) The Council shall: (1) Monitor national and international travel trends; (2) Analyze risks related to trade and global economic conditions; (3) Advise the Governor and Legislature on adaptive strategies.
(c) The Council shall publish an annual tourism impact report.
Section 9. Severability. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions which can be given effect without the invalid provision.
Section 10. Effective Date. This Act shall take effect on July 1 of the year following its enactment.